The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Dim Lights

Is it normal for the lights to dim at idle speed? Its 1962 235 12v generator. Hope thats enough info.

depends on how much other electrical you have on, especially the heater fan .... the generator doesn't put out much at idle, although it could be your idle is low or the regulator mal-adjusted

Bill

It is normal for the headlights to dim slightly at idle speed, especially if the idle speed is a little low. The cutout relay in the voltage regulator opens when the generator voltage drops to slightly above battery voltage, to prevent the battery from discharging through the generator. When that relay opens, the headlights and all electrical loads are handled by the battery, so lights get a little dim, and electric motors slow slightly. Same for 6- and 12-volt systems. The cutout relay opening and closing voltages are adjustable, but unless you have the proper instructions, you should leave it alone. It sounds like it is working as it should.

Harvester

I run with my high beams on all the time with Betsy. It too is a 12 volt gen. In this modern age my high beams look normal with all the silvertar bulbs out there.

rick........

There are a number of relay conversions available on the market to address this issue. Try this link for more information:

http://www.painlessperformance.com/webcatalog/largeview.php?SearchField=30815

The headlight relay conversion is also available at:

www.lmctrucks.com

The '60-'66 Chevy trucks are infamous for dimming/yellow headlights, under load.

I don't understand how a headlight relay kit would make any difference to this situation. Generators do not generally produce a charging voltage at idle, especially with the headlights on.

When you go through the headlight switch and all the wiring associated with it, you will experience a voltage drop with or without the generator charging. If you run through a relay, you will get the full battery voltage which is over 12 volts even at idle. There will still be a little difference in brightness at idle than at higher rpm, but it will not be as noticeable especially if you have other accessories such as a heater blower motor going.